Your Ideal Home Base for the 250th Anniversary Experience

Planning to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026? Arlington, Virginia is one of the best places to stay and explore during the celebration.

Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Arlington puts you minutes from iconic landmarks, historic sites and major commemorative events while offering more space, value and convenience than staying downtown.

top things in arlington
what's nearby
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
hotel deals
Year-Round Experiences
Beyond the monuments

Why visit Arlington for America’s 250th anniversary?

Short answer: Many visitors begin their America250 experience in Arlington the moment they land.

For millions of travelers each year, arrival in the capital region starts in Arlington, just minutes from Washington via Metro, car or pedestrian bridge.

What Makes Arlington the Perfect Gateway

  • Direct access from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Dulles International Airport via Metro
  • 11 Metro stations connecting to the National Mall
  • Walkable neighborhoods including Ballston, Clarendon, Columbia Pike, Courthouse, National Landing, Rosslyn, Shirlington, and Virginia Square
  • Home to:
    • Arlington National Cemetery
    • U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
    • National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
  • Minutes from:
    • Major Washington, D.C., landmarks

Arlington is not just a place to stay. It is where many America250 journeys begin.

Top Things to do in Arlington During America's 250th

Historic Sites

Memorials

Outdoor Experiences

Pictured | Military Women's Memorial
Credit | Jonathan Kozowyk

What's Nearby

Washington, D.C. (minutes away)

  • National Mall
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Smithsonian museums
  • U.S. Capitol

Northern Virginia (within a 30 to 60 minute drive)

Day Trips

Arlington works well as a base for a multi-day itinerary.

Pictured | Aerial view of National Mall and Washington Monument
Credit | David Hills

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arlington

  • Arlington National Cemetery and Military Women's Memorial
  • U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
  • Explore Arlington's neighborhoods
  • Evening views of Washington, D.C.

Day 2: Washington, D.C.

  • National Mall monuments
  • Smithsonian museums
  • Evening monument tour

Day 3: Virginia

  • George Washington's Mount Vernon or Old Town Alexandria
  • Optional extension to Colonial Williamsburg or Yorktown

America 250 Hotel Deals in Arlington

Experience America250 Year-Round

Arlington Public Library offers experiences beyond one-time events.

Programs include:

  • Exhibitions and storytelling
  • Oral history projects
  • Conversations around liberty and citizenship

These offerings provide deeper context beyond major attractions.

Reflect on Service and Sacrifice

Arlington National Cemetery offers a meaningful way to reflect on 250 years of American history.

Visitors can expect:

  • Opportunities for reflection and learning
  • Educational themes tied to national service
  • A connection to individuals who shaped the country
Pictured | Arlington National Cemetery
Credit | Jonathan Kozowyk

Local Experiences Beyond the Monuments

Arlington Historical Museum

A 19th-century schoolhouse exploring local history

Ball-Sellers House

A preserved 18th-century home showing daily colonial life

Black Heritage Museum of Arlington

Focuses on African American history from slavery to the present

These sites offer a more personal perspective on American history.

Pictured | Black Heritage Museum of Arlington
Credit | Charrette Agency

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arlington a good place to stay for visiting Washington, D.C.?

Yes. Arlington offers strong value and quick access to major landmarks.

What are the best things to do in Arlington during America 250?

Visit Arlington National Cemetery, memorials and museums, and explore nearby Washington and Virginia.

How many days should I plan?

Two to four days is ideal for most visitors.

Will there be special events?

Yes. Events, exhibits and programs will take place throughout 2026.

What is VA250 and why visit in 2026

VA250 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, with Virginia playing a central role.

Start Planning Your 2026 Visit

America’s 250th anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Start your trip in Arlington and explore the nation’s history from the moment you arrive.

Explore hotels, attractions and trip ideas today.

Where To Stay

Hotels

Located directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., and just minutes from the area's major attractions, Arlington offers an ideal combination of convenience and value for your stay in the heart of the capital region.

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Trip Planning Resources

Amtrack Virginia

Deals & Discounts

Step back in time and explore Virginia's captivating history with ease and comfort on Amtrak.

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From Our Partners

The Arlington Historical Society (AHS) is organizing Arlington VA 250 commemorations in partnership with more than 60 other local nonprofits and community organizations. AHS conducts research to preserve and disseminate knowledge about the history, archaeology, material culture, geography, and socioeconomic development of Arlington County, Virginia. Contact the Arlington Historical Society here.

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